Which components knocked you out on first listen?


I've been listening to stereos since 1973 and I am still waiting to be truly knocked out by the sound of a component. I have sat in showrooms across the country and have been pleased by what I have heard but never truly blown away.
The closest I came was when I listened to a Meitner str-55 amp and VTL preamp a few years ago, sourced by a Linn Ikemi and Revel loudspeakers. However, I also have been moved by a
Apple computer cd drive, circa 1994 through a Creek 4040 and RA Lab speakers, estimated cost about $1,200; maybe more so than the Linn,Revel 10K system. How about you?
cody

Few, but in order of appearance, not a system.

THIEL CS5's Circa 1989
Gryphon Callisto Integrated Amp
Sound Lab A1
Goldman CD player at the 1999 CES
Pipedreams 24's (set up correctly)
John Tucker's CD Player

Larry
Soulution 700/720 preamp/power stage combo. Stunning. No words to describe. As simply as that.
1982 - the Bang & Olufsen Turntable demo by the audio store salesman. He banged the table, wiggled the tonearm and did other crazy things and the table never skipped.

1985 - first time I heard separates. 70 wpc B&K amp, Counterpoint preamp, Rauna Tyr speakers - A magical combo

1991 - Vandersteen 1B, Adcom 545, Pioneer PD65 at Sound by Singer - the 1B's sounded amazing

1993 - Fisher 500B receiver - WOW - one of the best things I've ever heard

1997 - Phila Triode Society show - first time I heard SET amps - incredible!